A local group is looking to bring awareness and raise money for research to combat multiple sclerosis this weekend with the area’s first Walk MS event Sunday.

Event co-chair Vicky Wehner said nine teams have already signed up, with about 70-80 people planning to walk in the event the starts at Stokes Stadium. Individuals and teams can register on the day of the event at 1 p.m., with the walk itself starting at 2 p.m.

“I think we’re adding some new teams, almost daily now at this point,” Wehner said. “It looks like it’s going to turn out to be a pretty good day.”

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has sponsored Walk MS events in St. Louis and Columbia before, but has now expanded to Jefferson City, Moberly and Kirksville. While the event is free, those who raise and donate at least $125 receive a Walk MS t-shirt, along with having provided support to a worthy cause.

Events last year in the Gateway region had 6,345 total participants and raised $814,658.

“It’s to help raise money for a cure,” said Wehner, the disability services coordinator at Truman State. “Lot of new medications have come out in the last 10 years to help deal with the symptoms of MS. It’s a really good cause.”

Wehner said her event co-chair Michael Corrick has MS and asked last summer if it was possible to bring the Walk event to Kirksville, raising awareness, offering support and offering an outlet to those afflicted with the disease.

“We’re kind of amazed at the number of people calling and coming out, saying, ‘I have MS,’ or ‘My mom has MS,’ how do we sign up and get involved? They haven’t had a support group here for some time in this town for MS. It’s helping raise awareness. It’s giving them a voice,” she said.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is a “chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system” with symptoms including “numbness in the limbs” and “paralysis or loss of vision.”

Wehner said the Walk MS event also includes a 5K for those looking to venture outside the stadium, though others, including those with MS who may struggle walking on uneven ground, can do as many laps around the track as they like.

Entertainment, including a performance by True Men, Truman State’s male a cappella group, and light refreshments will be available.

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To register in advance or receive more information, visit www.gatewayMSwalk.org, or contact Wehner at vwehner@truman.edu or (660) 785-4478.